Barely two months after its inauguration, the Palava flyover on Kalyan–Shil Road in Dombivli is undergoing a complete re-asphalting, as the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) responds to repeated public complaints about potholes and uneven surfaces. The two-lane, 562-metre structure, built at a cost of ₹72 crore, had rapidly deteriorated, raising concerns about construction quality and commuter safety.
Officials from MSRDC confirmed that the flyover, part of a larger ₹250-crore development project encompassing two flyovers and connecting road stretches, will have its top asphalt layer stripped and replaced entirely. While patchwork repairs were attempted in recent weeks, commuters’ repeated grievances and viral videos of damaged road sections accelerated the decision to redo the surface comprehensively. The Palava flyover, completed after almost seven years of construction, initially offered relief to residents of Kalyan, Dombivli, Ulhasnagar, and Ambernath travelling towards Navi Mumbai. However, the recurring surface defects have overshadowed the initial convenience. Experts note that accelerated degradation in newly inaugurated infrastructure reflects lapses in material quality and project supervision, emphasising the need for more stringent quality checks during execution.
MSRDC officials clarified that the two-lane section cost ₹72 crore, while work on the second flyover in the project package remains pending. The full project, once completed, aims to significantly ease congestion along the busy corridor connecting the twin cities and improve commuter safety. Public representatives have criticised the contractor’s workmanship, citing substandard materials and poor construction practices as reasons for the flyover’s early deterioration. Calls for accountability have intensified, with demands for strict action, including blacklisting of the responsible contractors, to ensure adherence to construction standards and prevent similar issues in future projects.
Urban planning and infrastructure experts argue that repeated maintenance interventions, while necessary, underline systemic issues in project execution, including inadequate monitoring and delayed quality audits. They stress the importance of sustainable construction practices that extend the lifespan of public infrastructure and minimise long-term costs. The MSRDC’s current intervention seeks to restore commuter confidence and reaffirm the agency’s commitment to safe and sustainable urban transport infrastructure. Officials indicate that work will be completed swiftly, with minimal disruption to traffic, and additional measures are being planned to improve monitoring and ensure durability across the corridor.
As Mumbai and its satellite towns continue to expand, infrastructure projects like the Palava flyover play a critical role in shaping commuter experience. Effective execution, quality assurance, and timely maintenance remain key to achieving sustainable urban mobility and maintaining public trust.
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